BC Ferries is introducing changes to two of its routes out of Horseshoe Bay in coming months in anticipation of terminal reconstruction set to start this fall.
With "major reconstruction activities" to decrease vehicle space inside the terminal by about 25 per cent, BC Ferries says it's introducing changes "to support smoother travel this summer and to prepare for upcoming construction."
Reservation only in one direction
For the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) route, it will be reservation-only in the island-bound direction starting in the fall. There will be no options to drive up, though some space will be available for Medical Assured Loading and emergency responders, says BC Ferries. The change is only in one direction, and is "designed to prevent traffic from backing up onto the highway." Foot passengers will still be able to travel in both directions without bookings.
"Because of the small footprint at Horseshoe Bay, and that reduction in size that will inevitably come with some of those construction projects, it's just going to be safer and more efficient to move to that reservation model," Sonia Lowe senior communications advisor for BC Ferries told Coast Reporter.
Noting that the changes don't come until likely October, Lowe says advising communities now "gives people a few months to really get used to the idea and gives us time to figure out all of those details on our end."
Bowen Island passenger capacity
For Bowen Island, the changes mean the ferry will be licensed to carry up to 600 passengers and crew on "select sailings," starting in mid-May (Lowe suggested it could be May 15). The Queen of Capilano's current capacity, according to the BC Ferries website, is 457. Crew numbers also affect licensing, but the details of that Lowe didn't have on hand.
"They've been waiting for this licence from Transport Canada for a while," said Lowe. "That'll go a long way, I think, for Bowen Island and just being able to transport more passengers during their busy peak periods."
Another change is coming –– but it's not to Horseshoe Bay. Out of its Tsawwassen terminal, BC Ferries is introducing a daily 4:30 p.m. sailing to Departure Bay starting June 19. (Boats out of Tsawwassen usually go to Duke Point outside of Nanaimo rather than the downtown Departure Bay.)
More details about the changes are in development and are to include "targeted engagement" through BC Ferries' "Let's Connect" engagement framework, said the news release, also highlighting the Easter weekend highway lineups as evidence that, "The need for change is clear."
Lowe said their external engagement team has been in touch with interested parties in the region –– Nanaimo, Bowen Island, Langdale, ahead of the release so as to give them a heads up.
BC Ferries says it's developing a technology to simulate traffic movement through Horseshoe Bay during the construction phases so as to "allow the team to test different scenarios, plan effectively, and make informed decisions that help maintain a smooth and safe customer experience throughout the project."
Horseshoe Bay redevelopment
BC Ferries announced its resuscitated Horseshoe Bay renewal program in February. Previously announced plans for the nearly 65-year-old terminal's redevelopment were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Planned at the terminal over coming years include upgrading or replacing the three berths, relocating the control tower, upgrading aging elevated structures and enhancing seismic resilience, BC Ferries said in February. The changes aim to streamline traffic flow and allow a broader range of vessels to operate within the constraints of the existing site.
The total cost of the Horseshoe Bay terminal renewal is estimated in the “hundreds of millions,” the corporation said at the time.
– With files from Nick Laba
Editor's note: This story has been updated with BC Ferries comment and further details about the Horseshoe Bay reconstruction since it was first published.
